Taking Your Measurements

• Dress sizes are determined by three main measurements: bust, waist and hips. The problem that many women have in finding the right size is in taking the right measurements. Because while these three measurements may sound pretty straightforward, many people don’t know how to get these correct measurements.

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• Stand up straight and tall. Use good posture by standing with your shoulders back and your head lifted up with a straight neck.

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• To take the bust measurement, take the tape measure straight across the chest just below the armpits and around your back, encircling the chest. Take this body measurement while wearing no bra or while wearing a close-fitting, non-padded bra. This bust measurement corresponds to the band size of your bra size (the number). Cup size (the letter) usually isn’t a factor when it comes to picking out a dress.

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• To get a waist measurement, you want to measure your natural waistline. Measure around the thinnest part of your waist, typically two inches above the belly button, just below the bottom ribs. This is where your natural waist sits.

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• Take the hip measurement, measure at the widest part of the hip. Go straight around the body at this area. Keep the line straight, even as you go across your backside in the rear, to get an accurate hip measurement.

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• Record measurements to the tenth of the inch. Don’t pull the measuring tape tight. It should fit close but not tight. If you measure tightly, your dress will end up being too small. Remember, this isn’t vanity sizing.